A Beginners Guide To Automating Your Business Jaam Ebook
A Beginners Guide To Automating Your Business Jaam Ebook
to Automating
Your Business
The future is automated, this guide
will help you be a part of it.
Introduction
Introduction 1
š Conclusion 12
This guide aims to answer all of these questions for you. In the following pages, we provide a
comprehensive, step-by-step approach to understanding and implementing automation in
your business operations. By addressing both the 'what' and the 'how', we intend to demystify
the process and set you on a clear path towards operational efficiency.
The significance of technology adoption has been underscored by recent studies from the
World Economic Forum, which spotlight it as a pivotal force in business transformation. As
many as 85% of organisations plan to onboard new technologies and expand their digital
reach. Key drivers include tapping into benefits like increased productivity, cost reduction,
improved accuracy and enhanced customer experience.1
This is not just speculative – the numbers speak for themselves. The global intelligent process
automation market is set for a meteoric rise, forecast to grow from a valuation of USD 13.2
billion in 2022 to an anticipated USD 51.35 billion by 2032. 2
1. https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/digest#report-nav
2. https://www.precedenceresearch.com/intelligent-process-automation-market
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Chapter 01 What is automation for business?
At its core, automation refers to the use of technol- What are repeatable,
ogy to perform tasks that would otherwise require
rule-based tasks?
human intervention. The most common candidates
for automation are a team's repetitive, rule-based These are tasks that occur frequently and are
tasks that don't require complex decision-making. carried out in a standard way, with little to no
Examples include data entry, sending out scheduled variation or need for human intervention. Because
emails, generating reports and sorting through files. they are easy to define and repeat, they are ideal
for automation, allowing machines and software to
As businesses have increasingly integrated auto- manage them efficiently. Automation excels at
mation into their operations, they have discovered a these tasks, due to the technology's consistency
multitude of advantages: and speed, removing the risk of human error and
boosting overall productivity.
Work is accelerated:
One of the most immediate benefits of
automation is increased efficiency.
Tasks that used to take hours can now be completed in a fraction of the time. This speed
comes with the added advantage of consistency and standardisation, making it easier for
businesses to scale operations without compromising on quality or control.
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Chapter 02 Demystifying intelligent automation
Over the years, automation has become more intelligent due to advancements in technology and the
growing demands of businesses. With the explosion of big data, for instance, there's been a growing need for
systems that can quickly sort, understand and use this large amount of information.
'Intelligent automation' is the term used to describe an approach that marries traditional basic automation
methods with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It goes beyond merely automating repetitive tasks to
understanding, learning and even predicting.
Deloitte's Global Intelligent Automation study highlights a rising trend in adopting tools like Robotic Process
Automation (RPA) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR). In 2015, only 13% of organisations contemplated
investing in RPA. By contrast, 2021/22 data revealed that 74% had already integrated RPA into their
organisations, and 50% had adopted OCR.4
Additionally, businesses that advanced beyond piloting intelligent automation saw an average cost
reduction of 32%, up from 24% in 2020.5
3. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/12/hybrid-working-remote-work-office-senior-leaders/
4. https://www2.deloitte.com/mt/en/pages/rpa-and-ai/articles/Intelligent-Automation-Fuels-Digital-Ambitions.html
5. https://www2.deloitte.com/za/en/insights/focus/technology-and-the-future-of-work/intelligent-automation-2022-survey-results.html
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Chapter 02 Demystifying intelligent automation
“
Although it unlocks more opportunities for delegating
tasks to technology, and certain job roles are evolving as a “RPA takes the robot out
result, the goal of intelligent automation is not to make of the human. Intelligent
human talent redundant. automation should be viewed as
a strategic initiative designed to
Instead, it is a tool that can assist and optimise, rather free human resources from tasks
than replace, the inherent qualities and skills of the human better suited for machines.” –
workforce. As Professor Leslie Willcocks of the London Professor Leslie Willcocks
School of Economics and Political Science aptly put it...
6. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/23/people-at-increased-risk-of-burnout-due-to-more-demanding-workdays-tuc-says
7. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/01/how-automation-will-pull-us-through-the-labour-shortage-davos23/
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Chapter 03 Quick guide to automation technologies
The intelligent automation landscape consists of various technologies, each with its own
unique strengths. Here's a brief overview of some essential tools. The mix and application
of these technologies will depend on your organisation's unique needs and objectives.
Process Mapping
This software provides the tools for your team to visualise, organise and fine-tune your business processes.
With a clear map of your workflows, you can quickly identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks and redundant
steps. Having one central source of truth enhances collaboration and decision-making.
RPA robots can function in different modes. In 'attended' mode, they act as virtual assistants, aiding in tasks
while a human oversees their work. An 'unattended' robot serves as a virtual worker, initiating tasks through
workflow automation software without the need for human intervention.
Document Generation
This refers to the automated creation of documents using software. Instead of manually drafting each
document from scratch, users can input specific data into templates, and the software generates the final
document. This is particularly useful for repetitive documents like invoices, contracts or reports where only
specific information changes.
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Chapter 03 Quick guide to automation technologies
ML and NLP can also be used to extract information from unstructured text sources and review vast tracts of
literature or content. In the legal field, for example, lawyers can use these capabilities to scrutinise contracts
and swiftly identify issues and errors that may have been overlooked due to human error.8
8. https://businesslawtoday.org/2022/02/how-ai-is-reshaping-legal-profession/
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Chapter 04 Automation use cases and their benefits
Automation has transcended its early role as a simple time-saver for mundane tasks and
evolved into a multi-faceted tool that can drive efficiency, reduce errors and support decision-
making. Its applications are vast and its impact is felt across a variety of industries and
departments.
One way automation can be used in many different industry sectors is to digitise and optimise
the recruitment process.
Candidates submit an application form The system reviews the application and Qualified candidates receive an option to select
online, uploading necessary documents instantly qualifies the candidate. An their interview slots, which are then
and evidence of qualifications. automated email informs the candidate automatically synced with the interviewer's
about their status. calendar.
Once the offer is accepted, the workflow All staff details, certifications and The system sends reminders about membership
begins the onboarding process, including qualifications are stored in a centralised renewals and certifications. Furthermore,
setting up accounts, ordering necessary database. qualifications are automatically integrated into
equipment and scheduling the start date. relevant communications.
Here are more examples illustrating the application and benefits of automation in various business functions
and industry sectors:
For instance, a notable steel producer sought to improve its vendor invoicing and payment process.
With a team of over 60, the company initially had extended payment turnarounds of 7-10 days and
faced challenges in timely vendor payments. After integrating RPA into their operations, the time
required to process each invoice was reduced to just a day. Not only did this enhance the efficiency
of vendor payments, but it also allowed a segment of the team to transition from repetitive tasks to
more strategic roles.9
9. https://www.uipath.com/resources/automation-case-studies/amns-streamlines-invoice-processing-with-document-understanding
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Chapter 04 Automation use cases and their benefits
Similarly, a financial technology firm experienced challenges in manually preparing Excel templates
for VAT returns for numerous entities in China. Recognising the toll it took on staff morale and effi-
ciency, an RPA solution was developed. This automation aimed to streamline the VAT returns proce-
dure and incorporated a centralised data analysis and storage component. As a result, the time spent
on this process was reduced from around 1,400 hours to 280 hours per year. Beyond the time
savings, the new process provided an opportunity for the team to focus on deriving insights from the
data, which could benefit their broader business strategy.10
Legal
In the legal sector, intelligent automation simplifies and speeds up traditionally complex tasks. The 2023 Litify
State of AI Report found that as many as 95% of legal professionals using AI say it saves them time each
week on their legal work. Furthermore, 75% believe AI will positively shape the industry, especially in
managing workload and improving access to legal services.11
Here are some key areas where automation is already making its mark:
Contract management:
With the addition of AI, contract analytics tools can highlight potential risks or beneficial opportunities
within legal agreements. This insight supports firms in negotiating favourable terms and alerts them to
contracts needing renewal or compliance scrutiny.
eDiscovery:
This step can be notably time-intensive. Automation helps teams to filter emails, documents and
messages to extract pertinent material.
81%
Human Resources
Intelligent automation allows HR teams to free up time for strategic
of HR leaders have
planning and employee engagement. In fact, 81% of HR leaders have
already explored or implemented AI solutions to improve process already explored or
efficiency within their organisations. This supports HR's transition from a implemented AI
primarily administrative role to one that adds significant value to the solutions to improve
organisation's human capital strategy. process efficiency
Onboarding is one key area where automation and AI can support HR. This
within their
process is typically labour-intensive, involving mountains of paperwork. organisations
Any delays hinder new hires from settling in and getting to work.
10. https://www.ey.com/en_za/digital/how-rpa-can-improve-efficiency-and-employee-engagement
11. https://www.legaldive.com/press-release/20230726-62-of-legal-professionals-are-not-using-ai-and-feel-the-industry-is-not/
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Chapter 04 Automation use cases and their benefits
The average attrition for first-year employees is 13%, attributed in large part to ineffective onboarding
processes.12 Automation can address this by fast-tracking the provision of new starter forms, approvals,
equipment, accounts, software licenses and more.
Another use case for AI in the HR function is to use its capabilities to analyse employee feedback and
sentiment through periodic surveys. This provides actionable insights into team morale, workplace culture
and potential areas for improvement.
Banking
The banking sector regularly handles a high volume of documents in both structured and unstructured
formats. Previously, automatically processing unstructured data wasn't feasible, leading to manual
interventions in such a document-intensive environment, which was not only time-consuming but also prone
to errors.
However, by implementing automation and AI solutions, banks can now efficiently extract data from
documents like passports, identity proofs and mortgages. They even have the flexibility to tailor machine
learning models to the unique types of documents they encounter. This automated extraction process
dramatically cuts down on document handling time, boosting efficiency substantially.
For instance, a leading US bank employed AI to streamline their email processing. By cutting down
just 1 to 2 minutes per email, they saved an impressive $20 million every year.13
Public Sector
The adoption of RPA in the public sector holds immense promise. Organisations are often inundated with a
growing backlog of work, a build-up of caseloads, constant policy updates that necessitate integration into
established practices, and teams spread thin as they juggle daily operations with the goal of pushing their
organisation forward. RPA offers a chance to streamline these processes, redirecting focus towards pressing
tactical priorities and enabling more efficient service delivery.
Deloitte's collaborative review with a major UK police force offers insight into the broad spectrum of
possibilities with RPA. Their findings highlighted an array of potential applications: from automating traffic
offence procedures, updating alcohol licenses and assisting crime reporting, to auditing intelligence systems
and bolstering efforts against cyber-crime.
The National Crime Agency in the UK, for example, implemented intelligent automation to process
the alerts and requests it receives from Interpol, the international police agency. The NCA receives
360,000 of these a year, which previously were processed manually. An intelligent automation system
has cut processing time by 79%, saving 28,000 hours for the Agency to redirect toward other priori-
ties.14
12. https://www.nintex.com/use-case/employee-onboarding-process-automation/
13. https://www.uipath.com/blog/ai/banking-and-financial-services-ai-powered-automation
14. https://www.cgi.com/uk/en-gb/case-study/public-safety/cgi-and-national-crime-agency-partner-to-deliver-an-intelligent-automation
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Chapter 04 Automation use cases and their benefits
Manufacturing
In manufacturing, automation goes beyond physical robots on the production line. Using IoT, analytics, and
other capabilities, organisations can gather, process and analyse large datasets from their operations to
identify and resolve bottlenecks and inefficiencies. These insights help manufacturers make informed
choices about how they allocate resources and plan ahead.
One chemical manufacturer sought an innovative way to manage rising customer demands and
increasing competition in the market. They chose to introduce workflow automation technology. This
enabled them to automate various tasks across their operations, from sales to procurement, while also
boosting workplace safety and customer service measures.
As a result, they enhanced internal communication and sped up response times, with a significant
impact on their bottom line. In the procurement department alone, this manufacturer saved $800K
and reduced the time required for each procurement request by three weeks.15
Membership Organisations
Chartered institutes and other membership associations play a crucial role in maintaining professional
standards across various industries. They achieve this by setting and enforcing ethical guidelines,
professional competencies and best practices, thereby upholding the integrity of their respective fields.
Higher Education
There are a great many high-volume tasks in universities and other tertiary education institutions that are
ripe for automation. Prime candidates include attendance management, student enquiries and enrolment
processes.
Student admission applications are comprehensive and involve numerous documents across different
departments. Intelligent automation can take over repetitive tasks like evaluating enrolment criteria, ensuring
that applications are complete, communicating requests for missing documentation and updating
application statuses.
With institutions receiving a large number of enrolments every term, the process can become overwhelming.
A technology such as RPA addresses this by employing AI-assisted robots that can sift through both
structured and unstructured data, validate and update enrolment statuses, dispatch tuition statements and
reminders, and synchronise databases throughout the institution, ensuring a smooth enrolment experience.
15. https://www.nintex.com/case-study/buckman-saves-800k-by-automating-purchase-requests/
16. https://jaamautomation.com/ciarb-membership-renewal-platform/
010
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Chapter 05 Bringing process automation into your business
01 Discovery Phase
The first step in integrating automation technologies is a comprehensive discovery phase. This involves
assessing the organisation's existing processes and workflows to identify components that are ideally
placed for automation. During this stage, a process mapping exercise can be conducted to gain a
detailed understanding of the tasks, sequences and dependencies involved.
02 Optimisation First
Due diligence in
It's crucial to recognise that automation is not a silver bullet for selecting the right
fixing suboptimal or broken processes. Rather, processes should be technology stack is
optimised for efficiency and effectiveness in conjunction with essential. Consider
implementing automation technologies.
compatibility,
scalability and long-
03 Vendor Selection term support when
evaluating different
Due diligence in selecting the right technology stack is essential.
solutions.
Consider compatibility, scalability and long-term support when
evaluating different solutions.
04 Pilot Deployment
Once the discovery phase is complete, a pilot or trial run is typically initiated. This not only tests the
chosen technology but also provides valuable insights into any adjustments needed, serving as a
validation of the initial business case.
Regardless of the specific technology used, a set of detailed instructions or workflows is created to
guide the automation. These are typically configured by in-house or contracted developers familiar with
automation technologies.
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Conclusion
Final thoughts
As we move forward, intelligent automation will continue to play a vital role in business transformation,
providing clear opportunities for growth and innovation. However, to harness its full potential, it's crucial
to invest in the right strategies, skills and solutions, ensuring your team and business get the most value
from the technologies you choose.
We can also build capacity within your organisation. Through our comprehensive mentoring,
training and implementation memberships, we empower your existing team, arming them with
the skills and expertise essential to take your intelligent automation projects forward.
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